Less Predictable Prague

Prague, in the Czech Republic, is rightly known for its fabulous, ancient architecture. Yet beyond the stunning, baroque Charles Bridge is a fascinating city with oodles of culture and connection.  Take a few days to explore the  neighborhoods and catch glimpses into life in the incredible Czech capital.

One pathway to exploring real life in Prague is through farmers' markets which offer unique opportunities to see, taste and smell local culture. The city of "Praha" is dissected by the slow-moving Vltava River, and the river's cobblestone banks provide the setting for daily markets.

The markets move up and down through the city on scheduled days, providing residents with weekly access to fresh vegetables, fish, sweets and other treats.  

The markets also provide visitors with an opportunity to literally taste local culture. These fresh juices could be had straight or infused with vodka -- now that's a market!

Take time for life.

New Orleans from the Seat of a Cruiser

New Orleans is playing host to over 30 conferences in the next month alone -- an influx to the city of thousands of visitors from all over the globe.  And while New Orleans is certainly well known for Bourbon Street and colorful beads, there's a softer side also teaming with culture and unique experiences.

Bike tours offer a great way to travel the city's streets away from the crowded French Quarter -- the neighborhoods offer a lovely counterpart and a taste of real life in this incredible community.  Take time for yourself and add a day or two to your New Orleans visit!

"Confederacy of Cruisers" is only one of many local bicycle tour companies, but I took their cruise through the Bywater neighborhood. In Bywater, the colorful architecture tells stories of the city's past as do local parks and monuments.  Neighbors sit on porches, locals snack at cafes. Some parts of the community remain derelict reminders of the powerful and dramatic impact of Hurricane Katrina.

The tour groups are small (8 persons max) and the ride covers about six miles, all on flat terrain and atop the seats of classic, comfy cruiser bikes.  Cost: $49 includes bike rental.

Take time for life.

For more information: 

• Confederacy of Cruisers  
• Free Wheelin' Bike Tours  
• Buzz Nola Bike Rentals and Tours  

Denver's Winter Wonderland

Denver is another popular destination for conventions and workshops, and the "Mile High City" offers a wide variety of options for a "few days away" after the meetings!  Here, we highlight an outdoor excursion that's nearby and yet a world apart.

Snowshoe at Buchanan's Pass

Extend your trip to the Rocky Mountain foothills for 2 days, with a basecamp in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.  A 45-minute drive into the mountains offers a relatively easy snowshoe excursion in the breathtakingly beautiful ponderosa pine forest. 

Buchanan's Pass trail is 10 miles long from Peaceful Valley campground to the pass, but a 2-mile roundtrip hike offers a lovely introduction to the Rocky Mountain landscape.  Just past the winter gate, take the Buchanan Pass trail to the left which will lead you 1 mile to the intersection of the campground road on which you can return for the round-trip.  The Forest Service trail description can be found here.

Snowshoes can be rented at several Boulder locations including Fleet Feet, Crystal Sports, and Boulder Ski Deals.

To get to the trailhead, from Boulder, head west up Canyon Boulevard (Boulder Canyon, Highway 119) though Nederland and onto the Peak-to-Peak highway.  The Buchanan Pass trailhead is approximately 6.5 miles north of Ward -- watch for signs for Peaceful Valley and Camp Dick campgrounds.  Turn left into the campground entrance and winter parking is along the roadside. 

Bring plenty of water, snacks, cold weather gear, and a map, and pay close attention to the weather.  Heed the advice of backcountry experts. Cell phone reception in the mountains is spotty at best. 

Take time for life!